Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has urged Nigeria’s politicians and traditional rulers to lead with reverence for Almighty God.
Cardinal Onaiyekan made this appeal during his homily at a mass held in the chapel of His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Sidedo, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State, in honor of Saint Charles Borromeo, the Italian Cardinal often referred to as the “loving reformer.”
Addressing leaders, Onaiyekan stressed the importance of recognizing that their positions of authority are responsibilities bestowed by God.
“Leaders should be conscious that the Almighty God gave them such leadership responsibilities,” he emphasized, “and they should lead in accordance with the will of God.”
The mass was attended by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, his chiefs, and other members of the community. Cardinal Onaiyekan expressed happiness that the monarch and several others in the kingdom were Christians, further strengthening the importance of faith in their leadership roles.
During his sermon, Cardinal Onaiyekan highlighted the life and virtues of Saint Charles Borromeo.
He said, “Saint Charles Borromeo lived during the time of the Protestant Reformation and contributed to the reform of the whole church during the final years of the Council of Trent. Although he belonged to the Milanese nobility and was related to the powerful Medici family, Charles desired to devote himself to the Church.”
Onaiyekan recounted how Borromeo, appointed cardinal-deacon and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan by his uncle, Pope Pius IV, chose a path of piety and service.
“At the time, Charles was still a layman and a young student,” he explained. “Because of his intellectual qualities, he was entrusted with several important offices connected with the Vatican and later appointed secretary of state with responsibility for the papal states.”
Borromeo’s commitment to faith deepened when the untimely death of his elder brother led him to pursue the priesthood, despite family resistance.
“Soon after being ordained a priest at age 25, Borromeo was consecrated bishop of Milan,” Onaiyekan said.
The Cardinal described Borromeo’s sacrifices, noting, “Charles took the initiative in giving a good example. He allotted most of his income to charity, forbade himself all luxury, and imposed severe penances upon himself. He sacrificed wealth, high honors, esteem, and influence to become poor.”
Onaiyekan also recounted Borromeo’s role during the plague and famine of 1576, when he personally tended to the sick and the dying.
“During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo tried to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily, borrowing large sums that took years to repay. Whereas the civil authorities fled, he stayed, ministering to those in need,” he said.
Onaiyekan concluded by reminding the congregation of Borromeo’s tireless dedication and early death due to the burdens of his high office.
“Work and the heavy burdens of his high office began to affect Archbishop Borromeo’s health, leading to his death at the age of 46,” he stated, urging present-day leaders to emulate such selfless commitment to serving their communities.
